When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I couldn’t help myself and went ahead and purchased a 1995 XJS… it has numerous issues that I will try to tackle one by one.
One issue is that the level/handle to open the trunk/boot is broken in the back. Currently to open the boot there is a drilled hole where I stick my finger in the release the latch.
From what I could tell everything functions with the trunk, but the connecting rod that connects the trunk handle to the latch (where I stick my finger in to release) is not connected due to the plastic being broken.
I’ve tried searching, but couldn’t find any pictures of how everything connects together. The parts are missing so unsure if I can order some new ones.
You should acquaint yourself with the JDHT website. They supply good pictures and valuable part numbers.
There are many posts about fixing this problem. I know I posted one a while back. If you end up having the same problem as I did, you might want to fix it the same way I did as well!
Thanks Vee, after searching some more I found BEC4568 is the part that is broken from my newly acquired car. Looks like it’s no longer available/crazy expensive. I will try looking for your thread
I wouldn't worry about getting it from the UK, I have stuff shipped to the US all of the time. The other issue you might have is that lock solenoid might be dead, that works with the security system to control the lock when the key is in the second position. Problem is I haven't seen one of those in a while.
Thanks Time-Pilot but that price it crazy, I don’t remember parts being so expensive when I use to own a 1990 XJS V12! I will be doing the same fix that Vee did.
Some clarifying questions for you Vee, did you grind the original shaft to make it thinner? Also where can I find that metal sleeve tube at the hardware store? What is called/used for? And last, I’m missing the original set screw/pin thing that you mentioned in your post, do you think a safety pin or a screw would be a suitable replacement? Thanks a lot!
I found the steel tube at a hardware store that carries craft supplies too. You could certainly find it at any hobby store as well, or an art supply store.
I did grind down the shaft, but I can’t recall if o was able to re-use the broken one or if I came across a good used part.
I reused the original pin. It’s a split spring pin, like this:
uxcell M6x45mm Stainless Steel Split Spring Roll Dowel Pins Fasteners 10Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ET21PY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RZ40HZVQ2WQMGAYMQBPP?_encodin g=UTF8&psc=1
Not sure what the size was, but the hole I sized is made for what came with the original part.
Thanks Time-Pilot but that price it crazy, I don’t remember parts being so expensive when I use to own a 1990 XJS V12! I will be doing the same fix that Vee did.
Some clarifying questions for you Vee, did you grind the original shaft to make it thinner? Also where can I find that metal sleeve tube at the hardware store? What is called/used for? And last, I’m missing the original set screw/pin thing that you mentioned in your post, do you think a safety pin or a screw would be a suitable replacement? Thanks a lot!
I know, it's painful, but that has become a rare part in good working order.
With the bolts off you have to kind of push the handle and the lock cylinder in. Tough to explain, but I think you start by pushing the plastic release latch up into the trunk. Then the key cylinder will be holding it somewhat in place and you have to push that in to get it to go. You'll figure it out.
Lastly you'll have to disconnect the handle assembly from the latching mechanism. There's a rod or something hooked into the steel stick with holes in it....again, should make sense looking at it.
By the way, now that I thought about it, I did use the broken handle for my fix! It had sheared across the hole at the top of the plastic shaft, so there was plenty to work with.
Those pictures help a lot. The previous owner had already taken pieces off so I didn’t have a reference on how it went together. Now I do! Will try to attempt in a week or two.
I guess the last thing is the orientation of the hole seems like it would be critical to having a functioning trunk release lever but I might be able to figure it out with the broken piece.
That's why using the old piece is useful. Pre-drill the hole in the steel tube and make sure you align it with where the hole was. I've given you the drill bit size and how far from the end to drill it, all you have to do is make sure the tube is oriented at the right degree to line up with the where the pin is supposed to be. Remember when you glue that thing in, you'll have plenty of time to rotate the steel tube to get it to the right place. Just make sure you can keep it in that position and give it 24 hours to cure.
The $200 part on eBay will break on you again, so this really is the only way to go.
Since you lost the spring pin, you should drill that hole in advance and go the hardware store any find the one sized for the hole. It should extend a little on both side, and it should take a little bit of effort to slide it in, it certainly shouldn't be able to slide out on its own, but don't force it too much. The spring pin I posted above was an example. I don't know the needed size. I'd guess M2.5x10mm - I might order this if you don't have a hardware store that will sell you one.
Okay thanks too Vee’s documentation I have almost fixed my trunk button. I just can’t figure out where to connect the connecting rod!? Can someone help me figure out where the rod goes too? Maybe I’m missing something.
here are some pictures of the fix thanks to Vee
It’s this rod that you see in this picture that I can’t figure where it connects to! The one that’s almost point straight up and down
Last edited by stran0020; Jun 7, 2022 at 11:34 PM.
Okay figured it out, you have to unscrew the three bolts on the trunk latch and have the rod connect to that and then you connect the other end to the lever.